Antenna regulator



Augu i931,

J. E. LOVE ANTENNA REGULATOR Filed Aug. 12, 1927 Invento: Joseph E.Love,

H iS Attorrwe Patented Aug. 18, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE lJOSEPH E. LOVE, F SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR l110i(ErElQ'lilCl.ALELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORATIONtOF NEW YORK ANTENNA REGULATORApplication led August 12, 1927. Serial No. 212,574.

My present invention relates to means for controlling the resonant wavelength' of an antenna system. Y

In my United States Patent No. 1,684,235

issued September 11, 1928, entitled Automatic antenna regulator, andwhich is assigned to the same assignee as the present application, Ihave disclosed a system forithe purpose indicated wherein theenergization of a magnetic amplifier which is associated with theantenna is controlled responsively to impedance variations in theantenna. To accomplish this the excitation of the generator whichsupplies control current to the magnetic amplifier is varied by avibratory member, the action of which is modilied responsively toimpedance variations in said antenna.

My present application, which is a continuation in part of myabove-mentioned patent has for its purpose to provide further means forautomatically controlling the timing of the antenna in response tochanges of the antenna impedance.

Vfhile my above-mentioned patent discloses a very satisfactory means foraccomplishing the desired result my present inventionhas for its purposeto provide means which may be more economically constructed and which atthe same time is sufliciently `rapid in its operation to effect thedesired adjustment of the antenna in response to sudden impedancechanges such as occur during stormy weather conditions.

In carrying my present invention into effect I propose to controlanantenna regulating means such as a variometer, which is usually employedin the antenna circuit, by mechanical means such as a clutch7 or, in aI-still more economical construction, by means of a motor, the operationof either of which may be electrically controlled in accordance withantenna impedance variations as indicated by the modified action of thevibratory men'iber of my former application. I further provide meanswhereby the mechanical means are rendered unresponsive to normal actionof the vibratory member, or to impedance variations of the antennaresulting from intentional detuning thereof, as, for

example, in cases where the keying operation is effect-ed by detuning ofthe antenna.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my inventionwill be set forth with particularity in thev appended claims. Myinvention itself, however, both as to its organization and method ofoperation will best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in whichFig. 1 is a representation of one form of my invention; Fig. 2 shows across sectional view of a preferred form of clutch which I employ inconnection therewith. VThe `form of my invention shown in Fig. 1 andFig. 3 represents a modification.

Referring to the drawings I have indicated at 1 a well-known type ofhigh frequency inductor alternator having a plurality of stationaryarmature windings 2 and a rotary inductor 3, the latter being driven bya constant speed machine 4. Certain of the armature windings 2 areconnected to the primary windings of a transformer 5, the secondarywinding of which is connected in series relation with an antenna 6.Ineluded in circuit with the antenna 6 are a variable impedance 7, whichmay comprise thek impedance of a variometer such as is usually employedin systems of this kind, and a pair of primary transformer windings 8and 9 which are inductively related to a pair of secondary transformerwindings 10 and 1l. i

For Ythe purpose of interrupting in accordance with desired signals, theradiation of currents supplied to the antenna 6 from the alternator 1, asaturated core regulator or magnetic amplilier 12 l,is employed. Thismagnetic amplifier is of well-known construction and comprises a pair ofhigh frequency windings 13 which are connected through condensers 14 and15 to a coil 16 which is in inductive relation to a portion of theantenna circuit. If desired this coil may constitute a third windingupon the transformer 5. A winding18, in inductive relation with thewindings 13 upon the magnetic amplilier, is supplied with direct cur--rent from a source 19 through a Contact engagement with the contacts 52and 53 during this normal vibration of the member 39, with the resultthat the coils 3l and 32 of -the magnetic clutch remain deenergizedduring this period. n

To control the operation of the vibratory arm 39 in accordance withvariations in the antenna impedance a pair of electron discharge devices47 and 50, each comprising the usual anode, cathode and grid areemployed. The anodes or plate member of the two discharge devices areconnected to the secondary windings l0 and 11 in such a Way that theelectromotive forces supplied to the two anodes will be in phase witheach other. The plate circuit of each discharge devife is comnletedthrough one of the windings 46 or 49. The grid elements of the dischargedevices are connected to one ofthe armature windings of the inductoralternator l. A resistor 56 and condensers 57 and 58 are connected incircuit with the armature winding of the alternator so that the phaserelation of the electromotive forces supplied to the two grids may beadjusted relatively to one another and relatively to the plateelectromotive fo ree as desired. Normaly with the antenna in tunewiththe electromotive force of the alternator l, the electromotive forcesupplied to the plate member of each dischargedevice 47 and 50 manydiffer in phase from the electromotive force supplied to the associatedgrid member by an amount less than 90 degrees and the difference inphase between the grid and plate electromotive forces of thetwodischarge devices may be equal. As thus arranged if the antenna is intune with the .high frequency electromotive force of the alternator lequal amounts of current will he supplied from the discharge devices 47and'() to coils 46 and 49. Energization of coils 46 and 49, however,will not affect the operation of the vibrator-y member 39 as long as thecoils 46 and 49 are supplied with current for equal periods of time.Vhen the impedance of the antenna'varies from normal, the phase relationof the electromotive forces supplied to the grids and plates of thedischarge devices will vary, and as a result the current supplied in anyone cycle from one discharge device will iiow for a longer period oftime than from the other discharge device. This will cause one of therelay coils 46 or 49, as the case may be, to be supplied with currentimpulses of longer duration than those supplied to the other relay andas a result vibratory arm 39 will lag for a longer time at the polepiece 4() or 4l which is supplied with a greater amount of current.

If the capacitance of the antenna is, for example, decreased belownormal coil 49 will be energized for a longer period and at a highervalue than coil 46. Member39 will, therefore, lag longer at pole piece4l than at 40. Thus the relay 37 will be energized with currents of one.polarity for longer periods than with the other polarity. This causesthe armature of the relay 37 to engage its contact 52, therebyenergizing the coil 3l which in turn attracts the disk 27 intofrictional engagement with the disk 23 and causes the shaft 2l to rotatein a direction to cor'- rect the antenna impedance. Likewise if thecapacitance of the antenna is increased above normal then the vibratorymember 39 will lag against pole piece 46 and the armature of the relay3l' will be mov-ed into engagement with the contacts 53. The coil 32 ofthe magnetic clutch 22 will then be energized thereby moving the disk 28into frictional engagement with the disk 24 and causing the shaft y21 torotate in the opposite direction, thereby correcting the impedance ofthe antenna.

It will thus be seen that by the insertion of the relay 37 having anarmature of compara tively large inertia between the magnetic clutch 22and the relay 36, the magnetic clutch is rendered unresponsive to normalaction of the vibratory member 39 but responsive to that member only asits action is modified by impedance variations in the antenna. Tn caseswhere the transmitted signals are effected by means of detuning theantenna responsively to operation of the transmitter, means` areprovided in accordance with my invention to prevent response of themagnetic clutch to this detuning effect. This means comprises the relay38 having its contacts connected in circuit with the actuating coil ofthe relay 37 and the vibratory member 39. The actuating coil of therelay 38 is con nected in circuit with the transmitting key 20 and withthe source of potential 35. Thus when the ley 20 is moved to the rightas dur ingV periods when high frequency waves are being radiated by theant-enna the actuating coil of the relay 38 will be energized and theclutch mechanism will respond to the action y of the member 39. `Whenthe transmitting key 2O is mo ved to the left the contacts of the relay38 open and the magnetic clutching device 22 will no longer respond.

ln Fig. 2 I have shown a further illustration of a magnetic clutch whichis employed in connection with my invention. In this lf represents ashaft which is adapted to be driven at a constant speed by means of amotor 25 and 6l is a balance wheel of large inertia which is employedfor the purpose of maintaining a constant speed. The sleeves 29 and 30are each shown loosely mounted upon the shaft 21 and having connectedtherewith mitre gears 62 and 63. These gears are shown in mesh with themitre gear 64 which is mounted. upon the shaft 60. By this arrangementthe sleeve 29 and 30 are driven at a constant speed in oppositedirections, whereas normally the shaft 21 does not rotate. The disks 27and 28 are mountedupon the shaft 2l and are adapted for slight lateralmovement with respect thereto. r)The coils 31 and 32 which are suitablyenclosed in insulating material together with the cooperating disks areall enclosed in a suitable housing 65, the coils being suspended out ofcontact with the rotating members and circumfercntially about sleeves 29and 30.

I have found that with an arrangement of this kind ivherein all of theparts having substantial inertia, including the rotor of the motor, aremaintained in continuous rotation, very rapid positive action may behad. This is particularly `desirable during stormy Weather conditionswhen the capacitance of the antenna is subject to veryrapid variations.However, in transmitting stations Where the antenna is not subjected torapid capacitance changes the magnetic clutch 2n may be replaced by thedevice Which is shown in Fig. 3. in this figure it Will be seen that theshaft 21 of the. variometer 7 is driven directly by the armature of themotor Burng n rinal conditions the armature of this motor does notrevolve but is short circuited nl i through a. circuit includingconductor 33, normally closed contacts of relay 3l, armature of themotor ano normally closed contacts of relay 3Q. rEhe actuating coils ofthe relays 3l and 32 correspond to the actual:- ing coils 3l and 32 ofthe magnetic clutch shown in Fig. l, and are similarly controlled fromthe relay 37 of Fig. l. rThe energizing circuit conductors 33, 3st and55 and contacts 52 and 53 for purposes of clearness, are similarlynumbered in both figures. lf, due to a change in antenna impedance. thearmature of the relay 37 engages the contacts 52, relay 3l Will beenergized, thereby open ing its normally closed contacts and closing itsnormally open contacts. A circuit Will then be completed leading fromthe negative side of the source of potential 35, of Fig. l, throughconductor 34, lower contacts of the relay 3l, field Wind 6G of the motor25, back through conductor 33 to the po 'tive side of the source ofpotential and likewise a circuit Will be completed from conductor 34through the upper contacts of the relay 3l, armature of the motor 25,normally closed contacts of the relay 32 back through the conductor 33to the positive side of the source of potent'al he motor will then beenergized in a manner to rotate the variometer shaft 2l in a directionto overcome the antenna impedance. Willen the antenna impedance has beencorrected the armature of the relay 37 Will interrupt the circuit of therelay This relay will then return to its normal position, thereby shortcircuiting' the armature of the motor and causing the motor to stop. lfthe relay 37 engages its contact 53 then the relay 32 will be energizedwhich opens its normally closed contacts and closes a` circuit leadingfrom the negative side of the source of potential through conductor 3d,lower contacts of the relay 32, field Winding 66 and conduct r 33 backto the opposite side of the'source of potential 35. Likewise a circuitisclosed leading from the negative'side of the source of potentialthrough the conductor '34, upper contact of the relay 32, armature ofthe motor 25, normally-closed contacts of the relay 3l baci; throughconductor 33 to the positive side of the source of potential 35. Themotor Will then be energized for rotation in the opposite direction tocorrect the antenna impedance.

While I have shown and described a particular embodiment of my inventionit will, of course, be understood that I do not Wish to be limitedthereto since many modifications, both in the circuit arrangement and inthe instrumentalities employed, may be made Without departing from thespirit and scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

l/hat claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is l. n combination, an antenna, regulating means and detuningmeans therefor, means for cotrolling said regulating means responsivelyto impedance variations in said antenna, and means for rendering saidregulating means unresponsive to operation of said detuning means.

ln combination, an antenna, kregulating means therefor having arotatable element, a vibratory member, means independent of the antennaimpedance for Vproducing normal vibratory action of said member, meansfor modifying the action of said vibratory member in accordance withimpedance variations in said antenna and means for rotating said elementin either direction dependent on the modified action of said vibratorymember.

3. in combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor, a vib-ratorymember, means independent of the antenna impedance for producinfr normalvibratory action of vsaid member, means for modifying the action of saidvibratory member in accordance With impedance variations in saidantenna, means responsive to the modified action of said vibratorymember and means for controlling said regulating means dependent uponthe action ofv said last mentioned means.

4;. In combination, an antenna regulating1 means therefor, detuning`means for said anteu n a.. a vibrator-y member, means for modifying theaction of said vibratory member in accordance With impedance chan-ges insaid antenna, means for controlling said regulating means dependent uponthe modified action of said vibratory member and means for rendering`said. last means unresponsive to operation of said detuning means.

5, n combinatiom an antenna, regulating means therefor including arotatable element, a driving means and clutching means having oppositelyrotating members normally actuated by said driving means, said clutchingmeans being connected to operate responsively to impedance changes insaid antenna to connect said rotatable element to one of said oppositelyrotating members for rotation in either direction.

6. In combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor including amovable element, a driving means, means for detuning said antenna,clutching means connected to operate responsively to impedance changesin said antenna to connect said movable element to said driving meansand means for rendering said clutching means unresponsive to impedancevariations produced by said detuning means.

7. In combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor including amovable element, clutching means for operating said movable element, avvibratory member, means independent of said antenna impedance forproducing normal vibratorv action of said member, means for modifyingthe action of said vibratory member in accordance with impedancevariations in said antenna, and means responsive to the modified actionof said member for controlling said clutching means.

8. In combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor including amovable element, clutching means for operating said movable element,means 'for detuning said antenna. a vibratorv member, means formodifying the action of said vibratory member in accordance Withimpedance changes in said antenna. means responsive to the modifiedaction of said vibratory member to control said clutching means, andmeans whereby said responsive means is unaffected by operation of saiddetuning means.

9. In combination. an antenna. Vregulating means therefor including arotatable element, a driving means, clutching` means for connecting saidelement to said driving means for operation in either direction, -meansfor detuning said antenna. means responsive to impedance variations insaid antenna for controlling said clutching means and means forrendering said impedance responsive means inoperative during operationof said detuning means.

10. In combination` an antenna regulating means therefor, detuning meansfor said antenna. clutching means adapted to respond to impedancechanges in said anenna to control said regulating` means and means forren dering said clutching means unresponsive to impedance variations insaid antenna resulting from said detuning means.

11. In combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor including arotatable element, a continuously rotating driving means, clutchingmeans for connecting said rotatable element to said driving means forrotation in either direction, a vibratory member, means independent ofsaid antenna impedance for producing normal vibratory action of saidmember, means for modifying the action of said vibratory member inaccordance with impedance variations in said antenna and meansresponsive to the modified action of said member for controlling saidclutching means.

12. In combination, an antenna, regulating means therefor, a vibratorymember, means independent of said antenna impedance forl producingnormal vibratory action of said member, means for modifying the actionof said vibratory member in accordance with impedance variations in saidantenna and clutching means responsive to the modified action of saidmember to control said regulatlng means.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 11th day of August,1927.

JOSEPH E. LOVE.

